Postdoctoral Scientist, Wu Lab

The Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine (BMM) department at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences (SMHS) strives to deliver the highest quality of professional education and training, and conduct cutting edge research in the areas of biochemistry, molecular genetics and genomics with a goal to better understand human disease. The department continues to have a long and successful record in training undergraduate, master and graduate students. Research Programs span from cancer biology, hepatobiology, autism, vascular biology, and computational genomics. Unlocking the mysteries of biologic processes at the molecular and genomic level is the common thread connecting all research programs. The overall research in the department continues to connect modern biochemistry and genomic discoveries to translational medicine, leading to a unique multidisciplinary research program in biochemistry and molecular medicine.

The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine is searching for a Post-Doctoral Scientist to work under the direct supervision of Dr. Ray-Chang Wu. The Post-Doctoral Scientist is responsible for carrying out most of the experiments outlined in the specific aims of this proposal. The Post-Doctoral Scientist participates in weekly lab meetings; presents and discusses the progress of the projects with Dr. Ray-Chang Wu. The two projects are as follows:

- The first project focuses on steroid receptor coactivator 3/amplified in breast cancer 1 (SRC-3/AlB1), which is the second most over-expressed oncogenes in all cancers. Recently, cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been suggested as the major cause for therapy resistance and the driving force behind cancer metastasis and relapse. Expression of SRC-3 parallels resistance to therapy and shorter disease free survival in multiple cancers. Despite its clinical significance, the underlying molecular mechanisms by which SRC-3/AiB1 promotes therapy resistance and aggressive cancer remain unknown. We are currently investigating whether and how SRC-3/AlB1 may promote CSCs function to drive aggressive cancer development.

- The second project focuses on two epigenetic modulators and members of the AT-rich interaction domain family, ARID4A and ARID4B. Epigenetics plays an important role in human health and disease. Disruption of epigenetic modifications leads to dysregulation of gene function without altering the DNA sequence per se. A major challenge in understanding the importance of epigenetics in human health and diseases is to identify the specific epigenetic factors and the signaling involved. Currently, we are investigating the role of ARID4A and ARID4B in development and disease using state-of-the-art conditional knockout muse, and genomic and proteomic approach.

Specific responsibilities will include: (1) Plans independent research and analyzes and publishes results; (2) Develops new theories and methodologies; (3) Supervises supporting research staff and transfers technical knowledge; (4) Attends meetings and in conjunction with Dr. Wu presents research; and (5) Performs other duties as assigned. Omission of specific duties does not preclude the supervisor from assigning duties logically related to the position.

Campus Location: Foggy Bottom College/School/Department: School of Medicine and Health Sciences (SMHS) Family Research and Labs Sub-Family Laboratory Research Stream Individual Contributor Level Level 3 Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-Time Hours Per Week: 40 Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Position Designation: Essential: Employees who perform functions that have been deemed essential to maintaining business or academic operations. Employees are generally expected to work from home during an event and may be asked to physically report to work. Telework: Required Background Check Criminal History Screening, Education/Degree/Certifications Verification, Social Security Number Trace, and Sex Offender Registry Search Special Instructions to Applicants: Internal Applicants Only? No Posting Number: R000283 Job Open Date: 04/17/2017 Job Close Date: If temporary, grant funded or limited term appointment, position funded until: Background Screening Successful Completion of a Background Screening will be required as a condition of hire. EEO Statement:

The university is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer that does not unlawfully discriminate in any of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

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